Indiana Basketball: Big Ten Power Rankings Heading into Conference Play

No. 6-4

6. Ohio State Buckeyes 11-2, 1-1

The Buckeyes are going to have a say in the Big Ten race. They are one of the toughest teams in the conference to beat at home. Bruce Thornton and Jameson Battle is one of the best 1-2 punches in the conference. The Buckeyes can score and get after it defensively. The big question is how good can they be away from their home court.

5. Indiana Hoosiers 10-3, 2-0

The Indiana Hoosiers have the potential to win the Big Ten. They showed that in their loss to Kansas. They already have two conference wins in their back pocket as well. Kel'el Ware should be ready for the grind of conference season, and Xavier Johnson has started practicing again, so he should be back soon. If the young players continue to round into shape, they'll have a chance to win the conference and make a run in the Big Ten.

4. Northwestern Wildcats 10-2, 1-0

You have to be Northwestern; they aren't going to beat themselves. They don't turn the basketball over, and they don't foul. Boo Buie is one of the top scorers in the conference. The trade-off is they play many close games, so their margin is small. Do they have the athletes when things don't go perfectly?